calling the fiscal cliff. and yet the consumers we have been talking about are not acting very worried. trying to capitalize on the strong holiday shopping season, the president warned that the economy will spiral downward if it is not addressed. >> i think it is a reason that retailers are so concerned. that congress has not yet extended the middle class tax cuts. >> reporter: the report also estimates that consumer spending could drop by $200 billion by 2013. 31st, there will be a massive fiscal cliff, of large spending cuts and tax increases. >> reporter: the federal reserve chairman coined that term last spring, restoration of 2% in payroll taxes, expiration of unemployment benefits and $110 billion in automatic cuts, to programs like defense. the political sticking points? tax rates, most democrats want tax rates for those making $250,000 a year to go up. republicans want it to stay the same, but would limit the deductions and close loopholes. there is a disagreement on who should be considered wealthy warren buffet argues that the timeline for the rich should be raised from $250
